Will be spending 5 days in Provence this October, between stops in Lyon and Nice - and would like to stay in one place and venture out each day (will have a car). And will most likely use Airbnb so we'll have a kitchen; there seem to be some pretty good values.
What will be best: Avignon, Arles, Aux-in-Provence or??
Thanks
John,
I've created a matrix of drive times that covers most destinations in Provence - private message me if you would like a copy. With that you can get a feel for where you want to be located (based on drive times to your anticipated destinations). Our 'center of gravity' in terms of minimizing drive times was closest to St Remy (visiting cote du rhone, luberon, pont du gard, Carmargue, les beaux, and Arles in 1 week).
-Matt
john-Avignon worked well for us, but it's good to be strategic as far as parking and entry/exit to the city. We selected a B & B based partly on its convenience to the public parking outside the city wall. You don't want to drive in Avignon, we had a ten minute walk from our lodging to the car park, which was free, and we did not have a problem at all. Once you are out of Avignon in the morning rush you can move along pretty well. All in all, we liked the larger size and numerous sights/shops/food ops in Avignon. Arles would be nice too, I'm sure, though you do need parking with your Air BnB/lodging, I understand. There are a few different public lots outside the wall at Avignon.
We really liked Les Halles in Avignon, the indoor public market. A modest breakfast followed by a visit to the public market around lunch time worked well. Oysters, fresh from Brittany, are over in the corner, be sure to track them down if you are a fan.
From Avignon (four nights) we day-tripped to the Pont du Gard, Nimes, Roussillon, Gordes, Les Baux and the Carriere de Lumieres (not to be missed, imho), Isle sur la Sorgue, and just cruised the back roads enjoying the area. It's pretty central, and has enough size to be entertaining on its own. Aix en Provence is often derided for traffic issues, and being a bit of a college town, though I have not been. After reading up a bit on Aix v Avignon, we chose the latter.
It would be useful for you to track down the market days for each of the areas you want to see; both for gathering provisions and perhaps for avoiding on market day due to traffic and crowds, though you gain some cushion being there in October.
Cheers, and enjoy your trip!
Hi john98103
For the sights of western Provence Avignon is best and for the east it's Aix en Provence. As a preference I would go for Aix en Provence as it is such a nice place. However it depends on where you want to visit and in five days you can't do it all so its worth choosing so as you don't spend too much time wasted travelling.
Best
Peter Horrocks
Favorite town to stay in Provence is st Remy . Love the town and location. Easier parking and less congestion than Aix, Arles or Avignon. A beautiful drive into the town and great array of shops, restaurants and a fabulous market.
I'm afraid I don't get the Saint Remy thing. I don't think its in the same league as Aix en Provence or Avignon. Easier parking sure...
Best
Peter
I always think Arles is the most central choice, enabling you to access frequent local trains.
Nimes and Montpellier are to the west.
Avignon and Orange are to the north.
Aix-en-Provence and Marseille are to the east.
Les Baux and St Remy are very close.
http://www.beyond.fr/map/ter_paca.html
It also depends on what you want to see and where you want to venture out to. For myself, the small towns and villages are where I want to stay and see with a stop on the way in a larger city such as Avignon and Arles. I stayed outside of the hilltown of Bonnieux in amongst the vineyards and other hilltowns. Also stayed one night in St. Remy (a Friday night and enjoyed the Saturday market) and stopped in Avignon on the way out. Avignon could also be a one day visit.
Many B&Bs in France have a common kitchen and living area for the guest's use. We would buy our food at the daily market and enjoy a dinner back at the B&B.
Have a great trip.
We really like to stay in Isle sur La Sorgue . The Sunday market is great and lots of antiques tucked all around the town. There are wonderful apartments , B and B's in town,too.From there it is easy to drive to other towns and villages. If you are into antiques many dealers from all over a France come to Isle from Friday through Sunday.
I stayed in Arles, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, but did not have a car. With a car, I'd definitely look to stay in a smaller place. Particularly in the first two, a car would be quite a hassle, unless you stay a bit outside the center (they are small). If you're looking for an AirBnB in one of these cities, be SURE to ascertain the parking and driving situation.
